Entergy officials unveiled the company's solar power facility in New Orleans East.

The $6 million plant is one of five solar power facilities like it in the country.

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“This facility can power about 160 homes in New Orleans. It's been in operation since June. We've had a lot of rain days. What also makes it unique is that it actually operates when the sun is not shining because of the battery storage,” said Entergy New Orleans president and CEO Charles Rice.

Rice said the battery storage on site also means it can be operated remotely.

So why is the company turning toward this alternative energy source?

“Any plant that uses any kind of fossil fuel has emissions. This is using what God had given us, and that's the sun, to provide power to people's homes. So it's really about the environment,” said Rice.

Rice said the company has submitted for more solar power in the area to power even more homes in the city.